Mexican authorities have identified eight suspects involved in the tragic fire that killed migrants trapped at a federally operated detention center in Ciudad Juárez earlier this week, a team at The New York Times reports.

Government workers and private security guards allegedly did nothing to do to stop the fire or help the detainees flee. Mexican authorities said they have started an investigation on the incident as a potential homicide case.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and their families," said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum, in response to the news. "This tragedy is just one example of the dangers that people face while trying to reach safety in the United States. The U.S. and Mexico must implement policies that respect human life and dignity and protect the rights of all people — first and foremost the right to life.

"Both countries must work together to guarantee safe conditions for migrants while their cases are being processed. We must find ways to respond efficiently and safely to people who are fleeing harsh conditions. No matter the merits of an individual’s case, seeking refuge should not be a death sentence."

Welcome to Thursday’s edition of The Forum Daily. I’m Clara Villatoro, the Forum’s strategic communications manager, and the great Forum Daily team also includes Dynahlee Padilla-Vasquez and Katie Lutz. If you have a story to share from your own community, please send it to me at [email protected].

DESANTIS PUSHBACK — Several Latino evangelical pastors across Florida are pushing for Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to reject an anti-immigration bill that "would make it impossible for them to care for their congregants without breaking the law," reports Valerie Crowder of WFSU. Related: World Relief is joining the Evangelical Immigration Table today to host a virtual press conference at 2:15 p.m. EDT, urging the governor to reconsider this bill, which threatens religious freedom. For media interested in joining, please contact: [email protected].

CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT — Immigrant detainees are now filing a class action lawsuit against Adelanto ICE operations in Southern California after claiming the company sprayed them with a toxic chemical, per Jessica De Nova of KABC. The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of more than 1,300 detainees. They claimed improper use of the disinfectant and "being left to suffer the health consequences."

UNCERTAINTY — Tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees who have temporarily resettled in the U.S. are at risk of losing their work permits and protection from deportation, as the deadline nears, reports Justo Robles of The Guardian. "There’s an unbelievable mental instability of not knowing what the future holds. It’s our responsibility as a country to help ensure their stability," said Tara Rangarajan of the International Rescue Committee in Northern California. Passage of the bipartisan Afghan Adjustment Act would offer a permanent solution.

SURVIVAL SKILLS — A school in Dodge City, Kansas, is teaching immigrant students about language and life skills to survive — not just equipping them for graduation, reports Rafael Garcia of Topeka Capital-Journal. The city has one of the highest percentages of immigrant students, including many of whom come from Central America’s most impoverished and undereducated countries. Principal Martha Mendoza and her team of teachers recognize the students’ potential. "They’re not blank slates. They come in with a lot of experience and a lot of assets that we need to tap into," Mendoza said.

Thanks for reading,

Clara